What is a Homestead Exemption? And How Do I Apply for One? All Your Questions – Answered

What is a Homestead Exemption? How do I apply for a Homestead Exemption? Does it matter if I apply for one or not? These are all probably questions you've asked yourself if you're a home owner! Don't worry – Twelve Rivers Realty has the answers.

When is my Homestead Exemption Due?

Homestead Exemptions are due from January 1, 2019 until April 30, 2019.

What is a Homestead Exemption?

Homestead Exemptions are granted by the county appraisal district where the property is located. The exemption reduces a homeowner’s property tax bill by removing part of the home’s value from taxation. All Texas homeowners may receive a General Residence Homestead Exemption on the value of their property for school taxes upon application. Other taxing entities may also offer exemptions of some percentage of the home’s value. Other exemptions are available to homeowners who are over 65 or disabled and require the same application process.

Do I Qualify for a Homestead Exemption?

In order to qualify for a Homestead Exemption in Texas:

• You must own your home on January 1st of the year for which you are applying.• You must reside at the home as your principal residence on January 1st of that year, and not claim any other property as homestead.• Only individual homeowners (not corporations or other entities) may receive a homestead exemption.• A homestead can be a house, condominium or a manufactured home. It can include up to 20 acres, if the land is also owned by the homeowner and used as a yard, or for another purpose related to the residential use of the home.

How Do I Apply for a Homestead Exemption?

Now this is the most important part! It's important you provide all of the required documents and make sure the documents all show the same home address. Otherwise, your Homestead Exemption will be denied. First, fill out the application specific to your County Appraisal District, then mail all of the documents to the Appraisal District for your County.

Here are the Residential Homestead Exemption Applications for each county:

Don't forget to:

Include a Copy of your Driver’s License or Identification Card. Your driver’s license needs to be from the Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) and the address must match the homestead address.

Here's a quick image you can email out to your friends, family and neighbors to remind them to apply for their Homestead Exemptions, too!

If you have any other questions about how to file your Homestead Exemption, feel free to reach out and one of our agents will be happy to help! Call us at (512) 588-1453 or email us at [email protected]

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